Having the quality of a sieve; resembling or functioning like a sieve with small perforations.
From Latin 'cribrum' (sieve) + '-ous' (full of, characterized by). An older or rarer variant of 'cribrose,' this adjective directly parallels the '-ous' suffix commonly used in English scientific terminology.
The '-ous' suffix in scientific terms like 'cribrous,' 'porous,' and 'erous' all suggest something is 'full of' that quality—it's a calling card of formal scientific and medical language!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.